The past several columns I’ve talked about my desire for a more safe, sane, and holy month leading up to Christmas. At our community choir holiday concert at St. Paul’s, in Virginia City, I explained to the audience that for the world “out there” this is the Christmas season — a time of shopping and celebration — but for the world “in here” (inside the confines of the church) it is the season of Advent.

Advent is a season of patient anticipation. In some ways, Christmas is more special for active church-goers because we don’t jump the gun. We approach the birth of Christ thoughtfully, meditatively, deliberately. How many people start singing happy birthday to one another a month or two in advance of the actual birthday? ...